Following the Revolutionary War, the American republic referenced the Roman Republic in its designs to celebrate its independence and declare itself a powerful new country. Imbued with neoclassical elements like those being promoted by architect Robert Adam in Great Britain, antique Federal-style furniture was the first distinctly American style in its melding of ancient influences, European aesthetics and national pride.
Dating roughly from 1790 to 1830, the style featured angular furniture with saber legs and smooth surfaces that contrasted with the curvy Rococo style that was previously in fashion. Eagles were common ornamental motifs on Federal-period furniture, as were cornucopia, lyres, garlands and scrolls, adding subtle flair to pieces characterized by clean lines, geometric symmetry, balanced shapes and a sense of grandeur.
Instead of sculptural carvings, authentic Federal-style furniture was adorned with inlays and patterned veneers that showcased the rich character of different grains and types of wood. As social life tended to be informal in the young country, furniture was often lightweight, so it could be easily rearranged in a drawing room or bedroom. Pieces like dining tables with drop leaves and sideboards became popular, replacing larger chests of drawers.
The Federal style varied by region: Artisans in Charleston, South Carolina, decorated chairs with carved backs, for instance, while those in Baltimore, Maryland, preferred painted details. Its major proponents included father-and-son cabinetmakers John and Thomas Seymour in Boston, Duncan Phyfe and Charles-Honoré Lannuier in New York and Samuel McIntire in Salem, Massachusetts.
Find antique Federal tables, mirrors, storage cabinets and other Federal furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Urban Electric Co. SmokeBell Mirrored Pendant Light Chandelier
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Large handcrafted modern Federal inspired bell jar pendant light by The Urban Electric Company. This high-quality custom 'Urban Smokebell' light fixture features a stunning reflecti...
Metal
Federal Bronze Clear Pebbled Glass Lantern Pendant
Located in New York, NY
This early 20th Century hanging lantern exudes timeless charm. Its bronze frame and clear pebbled glass showcase a classic design, capturing the essence of the Federal style, making ...
Bronze
Early 20th Century Federal Style Continental Brass Lanterns, Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a wonderful pair of Federal style brass lanterns with eagle pediment. They have a made in Holland label. They are not wired and were likely operated via oil.
Brass
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
H 15 in Dm 9 in
Early 20th Century Brass & Copper Maritime Nautical Pendant Lantern
Located in Atlanta, GA
This antique brass and glass hanging lantern exemplifies the robust craftsmanship and utilitarian elegance characteristic of early 20t...
Brass, Copper
$4,474
H 57 in Dm 15.6 in
Wonderful Late Victorian Bronze and Stain Leaded Glass Pendant Light / Lantern
Located in Lisse, NL
Kindly note that we arrange the shipping ourselves to ensure a smooth, secure, and reliable delivery. This allows us to provide the best possible service and care for your purchase. Stunning design and amazing colors Victorian pendant light...
Bronze
$1,950
H 16 in W 17.75 in D 11 in
The Urban Electric Co. 2 Light Pendant - Black Metal and Burnished Brass
Located in Morristown, NJ
21st C. a rectangular black metal hanging two light pendant with burnished brass and white powder coated elements. This fixture is a crisp modern take on a versatile and sophisticated light form. The rectangular "shade" is black metal within which hangs a two light burnished brass arm. The lights are accented with white candle sleeves in the same crisp geometric form as the other elements. Together each of the considered components form a cohesive and handsome light fixture. The Urban Electric Co...
Metal, Brass
Iron and Glass Lantern Pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Simple and elegant iron and glass pendants. Glass globe shaped as an octagon with inlaid iron with in clear glass. Oil rub bronze hardware. Newly re-wired. One available.
Murano Glass Pendant Light
Located in Antwerp, BE
Italian Murano glass pendant light. Diameter: 24 cm. Height fixture: 48 cm. Total height with the chain: 90 cm.
Chrome
19th Century Baccarat Crystal Chandelier Five-Light Chandelier
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A lovely antique Baccarat crystal electrified chandelier, gilt brass beautifully decorated with several tiers of large pendaloques in different shapes and sizes, finishing at the bot...
Crystal, Brass
Pair of Early 20th-Century French Copper Hanging Lanterns
Located in Atlanta, GA
A handsome pair of early 20th-century French copper lanterns, each crafted with the clean, architectural lines that define traditional French courtyard and street lighting. The lante...
Iron
French Art Deco Bronze and Clear Glass Four-Light Lantern, 1930s
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A Art Deco bronze and clear glass cylindrical lantern with a central four-light candelabra cluster, France, 1930-1939. This lantern is in very good condition, no damages, rewired. Fo...
Bronze
Murano Glass Pendant Light
Located in Antwerp, BE
Italian orange and white Murano glass pendant light.
Chrome
Moroccan Square Tole and Clear Glass Candle Lantern
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Small handcrafted Moroccan clear glass lantern adorned with open metal work Moorish filigree design. Hurricane tole candle lamp with open metal work d...
Metal
$950 / item
H 26 in W 13 in D 13 in
Hand-Crafted Moroccan Moorish Lantern Pendant with Clear Glass, 1980
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Elegant and stylish clear glass hand-crafted Moroccan lantern with intricate filigree work in the Moorish style. Will add elegance in any room. Could be used as a wall sconces or cha...
Metal
$3,236
H 43 in Dm 13.2 in
Stylish Arts & Crafts Bronze & Clear Glass Beveled Panels Lantern Pendant Light
Located in Lisse, NL
Top quality and large size, handcrafted, triple light entry-hall lantern. With early 20th century lighting as one of our specialities, we are always happy to find a pendant, lantern...
Brass, Bronze
Wonderful Pluribus Unum Eagle Star Brass Glass Bell Jar 3-Light Lantern Fixture
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful "Pluribus Unum" Eagle & Star Brass With Blown Glass Bell Jar 3-Candelabra Light Lantern Fixture
Brass, Bronze
Monumental Over 4 FT Tall 12 Light Brass & Glass Chandelier Lantern
Located in Long Branch, NJ
Monumental Over 4 FT Tall 12 Light Brass & Glass Chandelier Lantern Dimensions : 56" Tall X 28.5" Wide X 28.5" Deep This lantern is monumental perfect for an entry way!
Brass
Federal Glass Bell Jar Lantern
Located in Westwood, NJ
Federal glass bell jar hall lantern with brass drapery band and base with a three-light cluster.
19th Century Federal Style Hanging Lantern
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This blown glass and brass lantern is suspended by three chains, and surmounted by a glass smoke ring.
Brass